The day many have been waiting for has finally arrived. The Windows 8 consumer preview is now available for download at the following links below. There is also a link for Admin tools.

The consumer preview represents the first look in to Windows 8 that is, as the name denotes, intended to let consumers try out the new OS. The previously released version, the Windows Developers Preview, was locked down and only provided a limited look at what the new OS has to offer.

Once you do get the OS installed, make sure to let us know how Windows 8 works for you. Remember, this build of Windows 8 is not a final product and as such may have bugs or other quirks that can cause the system to crash or applications to hang.

I first tried using the "Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup" and it checked my system and started downloading windows 8 automatically.
Since that was not what I wanted I stopped it and went to the ISO download.

But it did give me a product key for windows 8 after it checked my system and said I may need it later.

Microsoft says that every single application available in its Windows Store will be free while the Consumer Preview is available.

The company said today at its address at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that all applications in its Windows Store will be available for free. There is just one catch, however: the deal will only be available in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview.
Microsoft didn't say how many applications are currently available in its Windows Store, but did point out that more titles will be coming to the marketplace over time. Once the official retail version of Windows 8 launches, many of the applications consumers have come to know and love will be offered at a price.

Please don't mo, lol, just go into a deep sleep and imagine it's 2 years ago You will be fine, and I'll help you through it Listening to ABBA or the Bee Gees helps, yes, but it's only gonna get you so far buddy...

If I wanted my PC to look, act, or operate like an XBox or Windows 7 Phone, then I would have bought one or all of the aforementioned, apart from the PC, as it is a PC, and I own it, and want it to remain so, as in a PC, with a proper PC OS software running on it!

even after turning off the metro? i keep hearing how bad it is to find a way just to be able to shut down...is this true? if so, how on earth can they expect one to do anythig productive with this 'os'?

even after turning off the metro? i keep hearing how bad it is to find a way just to be able to shut down...is this true? if so, how on earth can they expect one to do anythig productive with this 'os'?

Install it on a spare system if you have one, lol, but be prepared to wipe it afterwards I installed it on my lappy (no harm) and I just can't bear to use it as an everyday OS, maybe not for me I guess?, but it's getting the same results around so I see

I see it as a tablet OS.
It is pretty stable and has some cool apps but really is not a big step from 7.
I can put different backgrounds on my dual monitors but other than that I haven't found a reason to switch yet.
You should try it for yourself to check it out.
I used a spare drive which is the only way I would try it myself.
If I had the right tablet then I would probably like it much more!